The Best Trader Joe’s Shopping Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money!

If you love Trader Joe’s as much as me then make sure you know all the best ways to get the most out of your shopping trip! Take these Trader Joe’s Shopping Hacks and save time and money on every trip! We also have a few secrets that you might not know about! You will also want to check out the Best Ulta Hacks and Shopping Tips we shared!

Trader Joe’s Shopping Hacks

Many would describe Trader Joe’s as not just a shopping trip but an experience! They do sell name-brand items but the vast majority of the shelves are stocked with Trader Joe’s in-house brand. That’s one way they keep the prices so competitive. Some of the hacks that we will share are from pre-covid shopping trips and we will make adjustments to some of these. Overall, these shopping hacks will save you money!

1. Grab Your Fearless Flyer

Makes sure to grab a copy of the Fearless Flyer! This newsletter includes recipes, new products, and things to make you laugh. They also have a mail subscription so you will not miss anything at TJs! The Flyer does not contain sales but it’s a good way to find out about new products that are being released.

2. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks!

There’s really just one reason that I’m going to Trader Joe’s and that’s the snacks! If you haven’t tried the specialty snacks then plan a trip just to try them! One of my favorites is the chocolate peanut butter cups but I’m also a fan of the peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets. Pretty much anything filled with peanut butter is going in my cart! Speaking of peanut butter, make sure you grab a jar at TJ’s!

3. Expect to Wait in Line

Trader Joe’s has a great selection and we all love the prices! When you combine those two things it’s going to be a popular place to shop! So you can expect to wait in line. Before the pandemic, customers had to wait in long lines at checkout. But now most stores have tents set up outside and they are limiting how many people can come inside at a time. The weekends are going to have the longest lines. Try to shop on Tuesday and Wednesday to find the smallest crowds.

4. Bring Your Coupons

If you have shopped at Trader Joe’s then you probably know they have a huge selection of private label products. That’s one of the ways they keep the prices low. But you can use coupons on name-brand goods. You’re not going to find a lot of name-brand items but I would still bring your coupons!

5. Ask for a Sample

Did you know that Trader Joe’s will let you sample new products? Pretty much any ready-to-eat food can be sampled! I mean, this could be very dangerous for me! If you really love free samples then shop towards closing time and you can get even more free samples!

6. Stock Up on Two-Buck Chuck

One of the most popular to grace the shelves at Trader Joe’s is their signature wine with the nickname “Two-Buck Chuck.” At one time, you could buy a bottle for $1.99. The wine now sells for $2.99 but the low-cost wine is still popular. When you can buy award-winning wine for that price then you can take home a new flavor every time you shop!

7. Don’t Skip the Bananas 

Did you know the best seller at groceries store is bananas? It’s true. Random fact, at one time, super glue was the best seller. Get your bananas at Trader Joe’s! Since 1979, TJs has sold them for just $0.19! We go through so many bananas at my house that it’s worth a trip just for this deal!

8. Might Be Time for a Deep Freeze

Have you been thinking about a Chest Freezer then Trader Joe’s can help you fill it up! The frozen food section is the one area that you should shop every time you take a trip. Most of the food is TJs brand and they keep the cost down. But they taste great! The name-brand meals are also cheaper than most of the big box stores. We picked up some tamales on our last trip and they are delicious! 

9. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Something fun for the kids to do is look for the hidden bear. The employees will hide it in different locations every day. The best part is your kiddo can tell the cashier where it’s located and score a free prize! Our local Trader Joe’s has temporarily stopped doing this due to covid but it should be coming back soon.

10. Ring-a-Ding-Ding

Have you heard the bell ring while shopping and wonder what it means? Here’s the insider info: 3 rings means they need manager assistance. 2 rings means someone has a question at checkout. 1 ring means a new register is about to be opened. That will be your queue to start moving over to a new line.

11. Cheap Flowers

The flowers at Trader Joe’s are beautiful and cheap! Pick up flowers, a card, and some two-buck chuck for under $10! 

What’s your favorite thing about shopping at Trader Joe’s? Let us know in the comments! Now, if you will excuse me, I’m headed to Joe’s!